After staying in Bangalore for almost 5 years, here's a list of my favourite half day trips that I've curated. If you are looking for a short getaway in and around Bangalore, here's your go to list:
1. Mandargiri
Out of all my short trips in Bangalore, this is my favourite. A beautiful peacock temple, a revered tirthankara statue, a short hike(or drive up a the hill, whichever you prefer), a lake, and a mesmerizing sunset. Mandargiri has it all.
Distance: 50-70 km
2. Devarayanadurga Hills
Devarayanadurga or DD Hills as it is popularly known, is located in TUmkur district. There are two temples- Bhoga Narasimha Temple at the base, and Yoga Narasimha Temple at the top. The drive feels lie entering a hill station. There's a small lake and a beautiful sunset point as well. The entry to Yoga Narasimha Temple closes around 4 PM so plan accordingly.
Distance: 60-80 km
3. Nandi Hills
Well, any list of places to visit around Bangalore is incomplete without Nandi Hills. The misty mornings are the best time to go here. You can see TIppu's drop, the temple on the hill, and can also combine it with a trip to Adiyogi. I went a long time ago, and a lot has changed. But I will link my blog below for reference.
Distance: 60-80 km
4. Savandurga
Savandurga is known as Asia's largest monolith. It is basically a trek, and a slightly difficult one. However, there's a temple at the base you can visit, and even if you don't want to hike to the top, the drive is still worth it!
Distance: 50-60 km
5. Markonahalli Dam
This is a hidden gem that few people know of. This dam works on the principle of siphon and is unique. The sunset here is mesmerizing, and it is a must visit place if you are visiting Yediyur, or Shravanabelagola.
Distance: 90-100 km
6. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
This is a 9th Century Temple built by the Nolamba Dynasty. It is located near the base of Nandi Hills. It is well preserved and has a beautiful step well outside.
Distance: 60 km
7. Ghati Subramanya Temple and Makalidurga
Ghati Subramanya Temple is located near Doddaballapur. It is a unique temple because the idol of Lord Karthikeya is found with Narasimha. The most unique part of the temple was the hundreds of idols of snake towards the back of the temple. It is said that childless couples perform special pooja there. Nearby is Makalidurga, one of the Navadurgas around Bangalore. It is a unique railway trek and lise in an eco-sensitive zone, so trek permission is required to be taken beforehand.
Distance: 60 km
8. Big Banyan Tree
Big Banyan Tree is a unique place in Bangalore. The tree is more than 400 years old, and has a huge canopy. It can be combined with a visit to Big Banyan VIneyard, and their restaurant 'The Ranch'.
Distance: 30 km
9. Panchmukhi Anjaneya Statue
Panchmukhi Anjaneya Statue at Bidangere in Karnataka is the largest Panchmukhi Anjaneya Statue in the world. A short drive from Bangalore, it mesmerizes with it's beauty and grandeur.
Distance: 60 km
10. Avani, Kolar
Avani in Kolar is a place associated with the Ramayana. There is an ancient temple- Ramalingeshwara Temple at the base of the hill. Just behind the temple is the hilll- Avani betta, where Sita Ji is said to have given birth to her sons Luv and Kush. The temple's aura is so peaceful, that I just didn't want to leave the place.
Distance: 90-100 km
So armed with this list, plan your day out in Bangalore! To share your wonderful travel stories with us, write about them on Tripoto
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